Today is Mint Julep Day. It's a day to enjoy and savor this frosty and refreshing southern classic drink.

Mint Julep is an bourbon based alcoholic beverage. A related version of it, is gin based. It originated and is very popular today in areas south of the Mason-Dixon line in the United States.  The roots of Mint Julep may have Arabic origin, where a similar drink called Julab was made with rose petals. Considered a sign of hospitality, Mint Juleps were first served in the early 1800's on Virginia plantations. It quickly spread in popularity across the south. In 1850, Kentucky Senator Henry Clay introduced it to Washington, D.C., at the Round Robin Bar. 

Perhaps Mint Juleps are best known as the official drink of the Kentucky Derby (1938). Today, over 120,00 Mint Juleps are served at the two day "Run for the Roses" event. 

Did You Know: Mint Juleps were used medicinally for stomach maladies and other ailments.

Mint Juleps are a frosty cooler. We suspect the originator of this special day set May 30th as the date to celebrate them, as hot weather has arrived in the south by this time.